Quique Setien replaces Valverde as Barcelona coach

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The former coach of Betis, Quique Setien will take charge of Barcelona. Credits: REUTERS

Updated: 8/18/2020

Barcelona board dissatisfaction with Ernesto Valverde came to a boiling point after the ‘Blaugrana’ were eliminated from the Spanish Super Cup.

The competition, that was being held in Saudi Arabia, had a final four format this year and the Catalan side lost to Atletico Madrid on the semifinal (2-3).

So, joining this result with instability in the away games of La Liga this season, Valverde’s contract was terminated this Monday evening.

The manager leaves Barcelona after two seasons and a half in charge, in which he conquered 2 times the La Liga and 1 time Copa del Rey.

Shortly after announcing the decision of parting ways with Valverde, Barcelona already informed of his replacement. It came as a surprise to some unaware fans, but Quique Setien is now in charge of the Catalan giants.

The 61-year-old Spanish manager, born in Santander, was without a club since the Summer of 2019, when he left Real Betis Balompié.

Setien was already rumored to being close on joining Barcelona one year ago, but he remained at the helm of the Sevilla based side until May.

He is a former midfielder and an icon of Racing Santander when the Spanish side was still a topflight team. He also played for Atletico Madrid and Logroñes in the 80s.

Barcelona is currently on top of La Liga table, tied in points with Real Madrid. They are also on the last 16 of Champions League, where they will face Napoli.

Update: 8/18/2020

Quique Setien’s reign didn’t last long. He was fired following an 8×2 defeat against Bayern Munich in the Champions League.

The coach leaves after losing all competitions involved, with Barcelona ending 2nd on La Liga table. He will be replaced by Ronald Koeman.

About Jorge Costa 140 Articles
Jorge Costa is a freelance journalist, with a Masters Degree in Journalism and Communication, through the University of Coimbra, Portugal. He specializes in sports and soccer in particular.

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